POSITION DUTIES:

Duty 1 - Serves as the Primary Care Manager providing comprehensive primary, preventative, and therapeutic health care service to patients in a Pediatric Clinic and/or Family Health Clinic (FHC) within a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Performs comprehensive physical assessments of patients to include baseline data such as past medical and surgical history, family history, social history, and immunization history. Independently diagnoses and manages acute episodic and chronic illnesses including but are not limited to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, upper respiratory infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and dermatological or orthopedic conditions; minor traumas; behavior/psychological problems; and short term health issues such as injuries and infections. Performs a comprehensive and problem-focused physical examination including but not limited to well baby exams, pre-employment physicals, and sports physicals. Performs pre-deployment and post-deployment assessments of active duty personnel. Performs Preventive Health Assessment (PHA)/Reserve Component PHA exams, overseas clearances for dependents, and medical evaluation board (MEB) summaries on military personnel in accordance with annual requirements. Selects, performs and interprets common screening and diagnostic laboratory tests to include but not limited to electrocardiogram (EKGs), wet preps, wet mounts, hema-occults, routine blood chemistry, hematology, microbiology, bacteriology, virology, toxicology, pathology, cytology, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRls), X-rays, ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scans, and nuclear medicine scans; when needed, requests consultations to assist on interpretation of abnormal studies. Performs procedures to include but not limited to biopsies such as shave biopsies, minor suturing, toenail removals, and joint aspirations. Uses knowledge of a variety of pharmacological agents to treat patients based the desired effects, side effects, and potential complications of the pharmacologic agent used. Prescribes medications using principles of pharmacokinetics, dosage, routes, indications, interactions and side/adverse effects. Writes and transmits correct prescriptions to minimize the risk of errors. Monitors therapeutic parameters including patient responses and adjusts medication dosages. Prescribes and monitors pain management regimes in patients with chronic pain and place referral to pain management when appropriate. Designs and implements a plan of care to attain, promote, maintain or restore health utilizing knowledge of patient education principles and behavioral readiness to change in conjunction with disease management programs and clinical practice guidelines, i.e. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Practice Guidelines {CPGs), and Healthcare Effective Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measurements. Uses patient education materials as appropriate. Maintains electronic medical records or patient paper charts to document medical information and treatment procedures. Incorporates current knowledge of disease and condition management into daily work activities to include evidence-based primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Recognizes scope of practice and limitations, consults and collaborates with physicians and/or medical specialty services as needed, and refers patients as appropriate. Ensures referrals include the appropriate level of severity and urgency of the care needed.

Duty 2 - Incorporates evidence-based research for medical interventions within the population. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and diagnostic reasoning skills in clinical decision making. Performs procedures, treatments, and orders medications based on assessment results and standards of care. Educates patients and/or family members on diagnosis, discusses treatment options and makes recommendations, and ensures patients and/or family members have information required to provide informed consent for treatment. Prescribes medications and adjusts dosage according to patient's needs and responses, to include appropriate dosing, side effects, and medication interactions. Performs minor diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including but not limited to punch biopsies, mole removal, wart removal, needle aspiration for culture, and shave biopsies, minor suturing, toenail removals, joint aspirations and injections, intravenous {IV) line placement, catheterizations, dressing changes, wound irrigation, oxygen administration, and specimen collection such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Participates with the consulting physician in planning, instituting, evaluating, and revising program plans; assists in determining conditions, resources, and policies essential to the delivery of health care services. In partnership with physicians, makes decisions concerning medical care needs of patients as well as nursing care needs. Provides surveillance of adherence to medical and nursing regimens to stabilize chronically ill patients; adjusts regimens within established protocols recognizing when to refer the patient to the physician or other health team members.

Duty 3 - Shares clinical expertise as consultant and instructor. Provides direction to other non-physician providers such as Independent Duty Medical Technicians and students assigned to the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) as well as nursing and paraprofessional staff in care of patients. Evaluates how the team provides care to include participation in peer review proceedings consistent with local and Air Force guidance. Evaluates quality and effectiveness of clinical practices and collaborates with health care team members to improve patient care delivery IAW evidence based practice standards. Participates in continuing education programs to update and maintain skills and knowledge in accordance with Medical Group (MDG) and unit policies including department in-services education.

Duty 4 - Serves as member of the professional medical staff and participates in various committees, functions and other meetings as directed. Complies with hospital and MTF plans and policies to meet accrediting agencies' requirements. Provides relevant and timely information to these groups. Leads, participates, collaborates, facilitates evidence based direct care activities that result in effective patient outcomes and cost-effective, quality care. Assists with decision making and process improvement. Serves as a functional expert on Pediatrics and family health care for the medical group, serving as an advocate for these functions.

Performs Other Duties Assigned